28th October, 2015
The children of the late fuji maestro, Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, have concluded plans to immortalise their father by establishing a foundation, a museum and launch of his biography.
They also condemned in strong terms insinuations that the children are divided over their father’s property.
The family made this known to newsmen at a press conference on the activities outlined for the 5th year remembrance of the late fuji musician.
Speaking at the conference, their spokesperson, Sulaiman Balogun, emphasised that the children of the deceased are well to do and need not depend on the wealth of their late father to the extent of causing a rift among them.
“My father showed us money, but he always encouraged us to work hard for our own. By this, none of his children depended on his wealth, and we are all comfortable, he taught us not to rely on his wealth and be self reliant.
“More importantly, his name alone open doors for us, when we mention the name, doors open for us and we have no reason to fight anything, he left a will which is his name that open doors to us.”
Balogun also reiterated that, plans have been formalised to immortalise Ayinde Barrister, and part of the plan is the launch of an autobiography of their late father of fuji music, adding that, they will also turn the fuji chamber to a museum where his fans and lovers can come to see some of his works.
“Since his demise on the 16 December. 2010 in London, fans in collanoration with family have continued to organise programmes and events such as Barrybration, visits to the homeless, Ramadan lectures to remember him.
“But this year, on the 16 December, which makes it five years since he passed on, this year shall be remarkable to celebrate the progenitor of fuji music. On the 17, we shall have the launch of the most comprehensive biography of Barrister.
“This biography will bring to the fore the very important information and exclusive details of the life and times and eventual death of Barrister.
“The family has made available necessary information, materials and photograph to Mr Akin Akinteye, the author for the right of compilation and authorship of the most comprehensive biography of the music legend.”
He also disclosed that a foundation to cater for the less privileged in the society, will be set up because that is wish of the Barrister.
Flanked at the event by his siblings, Al Maroof, Samsideen and the author of the book, Akin Akinteye, Balogun said there will also be a music concert which will be the gathering of frontline fuji musicians and hip hop artistes.
The family promised to reach out to all including all the fan club, and other fathers of fuji music, noting that, invites will be sent soon to them.
Akin Akinteye, author of the book while explaining the motivation behind writing it said, he has always been a fan of Barry, since he was 10.
He said Barry celebrated culture, morals and tradition through his music and that is was what motivated him to write the book.
In the same vein, the Ekerin of Isolo Kingdom, High Chief Surakat Lawal described the late fuji icon as an institution that should be celebrated for his moral conduct and philanthropic gesture to the less privileged.